SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is appealing the federal government’s March decision to deny funding to help local governments pay for damages following winter floods.

Rauner asked for an additional $1.8 million on Friday to help cover the cost of flood damage in December and January in 17 central and southern Illinois counties.

The additional request brings state authorities’ estimate of damage to $16.8 million. That’s below the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s population-based damage threshold, but state officials say other factors should be considered.

Rauner says it would be nearly impossible for local communities to recover from flood damage without federal assistance.

If the appeal is successful, local governments could apply to have up to 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses reimbursed.

 

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.